Gather your ID, recent bank statements, proof of income and a list of your debts before you apply, and the rest of the process moves faster.
Tick off each item as you find it. Start with the "Everyone" list, then add the list that matches your situation.
Everyone
- Photo ID (driver's license, state ID or passport)
- Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
- Last 2 months of bank statements for every account, all pages (even the blank ones)
- A short letter explaining any large deposit that isn't your paycheck
- Your current housing payment: mortgage statement or lease and proof of rent
- A list of your debts: car loans, student loans, credit cards, child support
- A gift letter, if family is giving you money for the down payment
Salaried or W-2 workers
- Pay stubs covering the last 30 days
- W-2 forms from the last 2 years
- Tax returns, if the lender asks (for example, if you earn commission, overtime or bonuses)
- Your employer's name, address and HR phone number so the lender can confirm your job
Self-employed
- Last 2 years of personal and business tax returns, or 12–24 months of bank statements if you're using a bank statement program
- Business license or a letter from your CPA (certified public accountant) confirming the business
- Year-to-date P&L (profit and loss) statement
Real estate investors
- Entity papers if you buy through an LLC: articles of organization, operating agreement, EIN (Employer Identification Number) letter, certificate of good standing
- Current leases or a rent roll for each rental
- Property insurance policy or quote
- Schedule of real estate owned (a list of every property, its value, loan and rent)
- Latest mortgage statement for each property you own
ITIN borrowers
- Your ITIN letter from the IRS
- Passport or consular ID
- Last 2 years of tax returns filed with your ITIN
- Possibly alternative credit references (rent, utility or phone payment history) if you have little U.S. credit
Refinance or HELOC
- Current mortgage statement
- Homeowners insurance policy (declarations page)
- HOA (homeowners association) statement, if you have one
Lenders may ask for more; requirements vary. These lists cover what is commonly requested. Your lender may need other papers based on your loan and situation. If something is missing or hard to get, say so early.
What this means for you
Having papers ready keeps your file moving and avoids last-minute stress before closing. Save everything as clear PDFs in one folder. Don't move large sums of money between accounts while you apply, so your statements stay easy to follow.
Questions people ask
Do I need all of these documents before I apply?
No. You can start without every item, but having the basics ready (ID, bank statements, proof of income and a list of debts) makes the process faster. Lenders may ask for more, and requirements vary.
Why do lenders want every page of my bank statements?
Lenders review the full statement to confirm the account is yours, see where your money came from and spot large deposits that need an explanation. A blank page can still be part of the record, so send all pages.
What is a gift letter?
A gift letter is a signed note from a family member or other allowed donor saying the money is a gift, not a loan you must repay. It usually lists the amount, the donor's relationship to you and the property address.
Sources
- CFPB: Buying a House, tools and resources for homebuyers
- CFPB: Loan Estimate explainer
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide: depository accounts (bank statements and large deposits)
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide: personal gifts
- IRS: Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- IRS: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Ready to see what fits you?
You don't need every paper to start. Tell us about your situation, and LoanFight will review it and connect you with a lending partner whose program fits.
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